During the first years after losing my husband on my list of things of importance, the very last thing was anything to do with taking care of me. In the busyness of taking care of my 6 kids, my own needs were put on the backburner. Actually, I don't even think I was even on a burner. That's when a dear friend pointed out I was deteriorating and getting depressed. Learning How to Pamper Yourself as a Single Mom on a Budget will get you thriving on this journey.

Whether you're single by choice, single by divorce, or your partner joined the after-life prematurely, it can be tough to put yourself first.

While raising kids on our own it can be tough to find time for yourself. The most important thing to remember about having the life that we want is, without a solid foundation of self-care our personal self-worth and growth will suffer.

Pampering Yourself on a Budget as a Single Mom

As moms, we don't always find the time to do things that make us happy or bring us personal fulfillment. In order to be the parents our children deserve, we must be healthy and content with our own life.

With all of the demands on our time and supporting our family on one income, we may find it difficult to fit in some activities we enjoy and make us feel good. It does not have to be expensive or time-consuming to pamper ourselves. There are a lot of things I've found to do that I enjoy that doesn't cost a fortune or in some case nothing at all.

We all deserve treats now and then, and there's no reason we can't do so in small doses. Here are some simple things I do to make me feel wonderful without breaking the bank.

Take a Relaxing Bath

Taking a bath can be extremely soothing. Add some soothing aromatherapy or add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathtub to help relax your body and mind. You can also add some bath salts or other essential oils you like that are therapeutic and will soften your skin (adding Epsom salt is good for stress relief too). If you only have a shower or for medical reasons you can't take baths give your bathroom the spa smells with incense and a diffuser while you shower. Maybe even some candles will bring a comforting touch.

Reading a Good Book

Reading is one of my favorite things to do. Not only does it take me away to other worlds, but it takes me out of myself. Reading can help us decompress and de-stress. It's also been shown that reading helps improve our memory and cognitive skills. We need those skills to keep on our toes with our kiddos.

If reading isn't your thing or you get distracted easily give listening to a book a try. There are numerous audiobooks available that will keep your mind occupied and engaged.

Spending Time with Friends

We all need to get out of the house every now and then and go do something fun with friends. This can be anything from a girl's night out to a casual meet-up at a coffee shop or restaurant with your friends. Spending time with them can be a stress reliever and help you reconnect with your support network. Doing this on a regular basis can help you to remember you have your own identity outside of your family. I find making plans in advance helps me to keep this commitment and not back out.

Spend Time Outside

Getting outside in nature is so beneficial for our health, both physically and mentally. It's a great way to get some fresh air and Vitamin D. Walking or hiking are great exercises that don't require any equipment or money. Gardening is also great exercise and it can be really relaxing to work with plants. Bonus, if you plant vegetables and fruit you'll literally get to eat the fruits of your labor!

Invest in Self-care Items

Make room in your budget for things that are just for you and make you feel good. Things like aromatherapy, face masks, and positive affirmation journals are ways you can pamper yourself without spending a ton of money. You can even get creative and make your own face masks, body scrubs, and other spa treatments.

Get a Massage, Manicure, or Pedicure

Getting a massage or your nails done can be really relaxing, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. There are often great deals available if you look around. If you are less of a nail polish person and more into massage, find a place you can get a massage. Sometimes health centers at the local YMCA or massage schools will offer discounted massages for students. You can get a lot of great discounts on Groupon.

Get Dressed Up for No Reason

Sometimes we just need to pamper ourselves by dressing up, even if we aren't going anywhere special. Put on some makeup, put something on that makes you feel good and energized. It's a small thing, but it can really make us feel better and it can lift our mood. After you've put on that outfit or put a little makeup on, take a moment to stand in front of the mirror and say something positive about yourself. As single moms, we forget we're beautiful women that still have plenty of living to do. The best part is this doesn't cost a dime.

Schedule Time for Yourself

This is something I'm still working on. It can be hard to find time for ourselves when we're always taking care of others, but it's so important. We need time to relax and refresh in order to keep going. Get a cute or sassy calendar and schedule some time each week (or day) that is just for you. I prefer a physical calendar I can put up and look at. Scheduling this time will be a reminder that our personal time is just as important as anything else we schedule. Put it on your calendar and show up for YOU.

Whatever you decide to do during your free time isn't nearly as essential as making sure it's done. This is your way of acknowledging yourself as an individual who requires self-love, and it's something all us moms need.

How Do Single Moms Find Time for Themselves?

Ask for help from family and friends when you have a plan and schedule for things for yourself. There is no shame in admitting that we need assistance every once in a while. We are only human and cannot do it all. Many of us don't have this support system in place. Networking and joining mommy groups could be a solution.

Find times when your kids are in school or in other activities to pamper yourself. If your kids aren't in school make their bedtime so you have 1-2 hours after they go to sleep to have some alone time. My kid's bedtime has always been as much for their benefit as mine.

Take time each day, if possible, to do something that makes your heart sing. Whether it's writing in your journal, meeting up with a friend, or taking a walk just have fun doing what you love and enjoy yourself in the process. When we take care of ourselves we're better able to take care of our kids.

I know it can be hard and often that last thing on our mind to prioritize pampering ourselves as single moms. But thankfully, there are lots of easy and enjoyable ways for those of us who are low on time and cash to practice self-care.